JACKSON, Wyo. — For anyone looking to get into the holiday spirit, Buckrail has rounded up free events around the valley to help capture the magic of the season.
Events in the area include music, decorating, shopping and celebrating the winter solstice. Check out the list below of events taking place over the weekend:
Dec. 11 to 23
Holiday Makers’ Market
Open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Art Association store and gallery loft inside Center for the Arts. The market features a variety of artwork from over 20 local artisans and makers. Shoppers can expect to find gifts such as ceramics, jewelry, woodworking, glass, paintings, prints, clothing and fiber arts, holiday ornaments, notecards and more.
Thursday, Dec. 18
Ceremony of Carols: Gloria
Join the Jackson Hole Classical Academy for its 12th annual celebration of the Christmas season. Beginning at 5 p.m. at the Classical Academy on South Park Loop Road, the evening will include students sharing poetry recitations and classical Christmas music.
Friday, Dec. 19
R Park Winter Solstice Celebration
The annual solstice bash will take place at R Park in Wilson from 4 to 7 p.m. Get excited for longer days with free mac and cheese, chili and s’mores. There will also be warm beverages available, as well as spiked drinks for those over 21. Dress for cold weather and join the community for sledding and strolling through the lantern trail.
Cathedral Voices Chamber Choir
The community is invited to attend the annual winter concert, which celebrates artistry, collaboration and the spirit of the season. The concert is free, but tickets should be secured in advance online. Audience members can arrive at 6 p.m. to enjoy warm apple cider, hot chocolate, cookies and music from the Jazz Foundation of Jackson Hole in the lobby of Center for the Arts. The main event will begin at 7 p.m. in the Center Theater.
Tree Lighting and WinterFest Kickoff
Join Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) for the tree lighting ceremony and kickoff evening for the end-of-year WinterFest. Free events will take place every day in Teton Village until Wednesday, Dec. 31.
Saturday, Dec. 20
Family Old Time Christmas
Join the Jackson Hole History Museum with free admission from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The day will include traditional crafts for children, live holiday and western music, and handmade art for sale by local artisans.
Gingerbread House Competition and Caroling
Teton County/Jackson Parks and Recreation is hosting its first annual gingerbread house competition at the Community Rec Center from 4 to 8 p.m. Bring a completed gingerbread house creation to display for a chance to win punch passes to the Rec Center. Winners will be announced at 7:30 p.m. View all entry details here.
Also at the Rec Center from 4 to 8 p.m. will be live performances and caroling, activities and games for kids, holiday snacks and treats, a holiday market with local vendors, and an ugly sweater climb and raffle.
Snow Cats & Avalanche Dogs
Meet the avalanche dogs of JHMR and check out a tour of a snow cat. The event takes place at the Kid’s Ranch in Teton Village from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 21
Cookie Decorating
Join JHMR’s pastry chef for a free event of decorating holiday sugar cookies from 3 to 5 p.m. at cafe 6311 in Teton Village. There will be plenty of sprinkles and icing to choose from.
Monday, Dec. 22
Free Skate Night & Hot Cocoa
Bring the whole family for an evening of ice skating under the Tetons. Free hot chocolate and complimentary skate rentals will be available at the Teton Village Commons Ice Rink from 3 to 5 p.m.
